Christian Eckes Truck Series return is lighting up the NASCAR community, as the 25-year-old driver prepares to rejoin McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) for the 2026 season. After a stint in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, Eckes aims to recapture the winning momentum that defined his previous years in the Truck Series.
Eckes’ Racing Journey and Truck Series Comeback
Having built a notable reputation with 116 career Truck Series starts and nine victories, Christian Eckes made a temporary transition to Kaulig Racing in 2025, competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. There, he placed 13th in overall standings and achieved an impressive series of six top-five and 15 top-10 finishes. Eager to reclaim his place among the Truck Series elite, Eckes is set to drive the No. 91 Chevrolet Silverado for MHR with Dave Elenz as his crew chief.
“I couldn’t be happier to be back at MHR,”
Christian Eckes, Driver
Reflecting on his prior success, Eckes dominated during the 2023 and 2024 seasons with MHR, earning eight of his nine Truck Series wins alongside team owner Bill McAnally. Enthusiasm is high within the team as they prepare to channel past achievements into a new championship campaign. Eckes remains driven to secure a second title, stating the importance of returning to winning form and building on the strong foundations laid in earlier seasons.
“We had a lot of success in 2023-24, and we want to get back to that next year. Bill [McAnally] and I have always had a great relationship, and we’re putting a lot of quality people and pieces together.”
Christian Eckes, Driver
MHR’s Ambitions and Team Strengths
Team owner Bill McAnally expressed his excitement about reuniting with Eckes for this key season. Having seen him flourish both with MHR and in the Xfinity Series, McAnally believes the partnership has some unfinished goals to accomplish.
“We’re excited to have Christian back. He certainly has his fingerprints on our program, and all of us were proud to see him in the Xfinity Series last year, but we have unfinished business.”
Bill McAnally, Team Owner
The upcoming campaign will benefit from the combination of Eckes’ driving skill and Elenz’s guidance as crew chief, creating a team McAnally believes can contend for top honors. This powerhouse lineup intends to take on the strongest competitors in the National Championship Truck Series, with eyes firmly set on the biggest prize.
Support from Sponsors Paves the Way
MHR heads into the 2026 season with continued backing from key sponsors, including NAPA, Old World Industries, and NAPA Brakes Gold Calipers. These partnerships provide the resources needed to chase another championship run. McAnally underlined the significance of sustained support, highlighting the return of long-running partners and the expansion of their relationship with Columbia Bank.
“It’s special to have partners like NAPA return to support this, and to grow our relationship with Columbia Bank,”
Bill McAnally, Team Owner
Anticipation Builds for the 2026 Showdown
The energy surrounding Christian Eckes’ Truck Series return is palpable among fans and competitors eager to see if he can add another championship to his already impressive resume. Amid growing anticipation in the motorsport world, MHR, Eckes, and their sponsors are united in their goal to make the 2026 season a memorable one. The stage is set for a dramatic title chase, and all eyes will be on Eckes as the next chapter in his racing career unfolds.
